Headaches During Pregnancy
Headaches During Pregnancy: Causes, Hormones & Natural Relief
Headaches during pregnancy are a common complaint, especially in the first and third trimesters. While they’re often harmless, they can be uncomfortable, persistent, and sometimes concerning. Understanding what causes these headaches and how to manage them safely and naturally can make a big difference to your wellbeing.
Why Do Headaches Occur in Pregnancy?
There are a variety of factors that may contribute to pregnancy headaches, including:
Hormonal fluctuations (especially estrogen and progesterone)
Increased blood volume and circulation
Poor posture and spinal alignment
Stress and disrupted sleep
Dehydration or changes in blood sugar
Caffeine withdrawal
Eye strain or screen fatigue
Hormonal Changes: A Key Trigger
One of the main causes of headaches during pregnancy is the shift in hormones, particularly during the first trimester. As your body adjusts to rapidly rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone, these changes can affect the tone of blood vessels in your brain, leading to tension or migraine-type headaches.
Later in pregnancy, postural changes, increased body weight, and poor sleep may become more prominent factors, often resulting in tension headaches that can radiate from the neck, shoulders, or upper back. Throughout pregnancy, our alignment naturally shifts. Our shoulders may round forward due to the increased weight of the breasts and belly. The lumbar spine (lower back) often increases its curve to help manage this change, and the pelvis may tilt forward to assist with balance and support our centre of gravity. In response, our neck can move froward resulting in a forward head posture, placing additional strain on the upper back, neck, and head, commonly leading to tension headaches.
Headaches during pregnancy can also be triggered by poor sleep or a change in sleep position, stress, dehydration, low blood sugar, or eye strain. These factors can increase muscle tension, reduce blood flow, and overstimulate the nervous system, making you more prone to both tension and migraine headaches. Managing your hydration, eating regular meals, taking screen breaks, and finding ways to unwind and rest are all important tools to help reduce the frequency and intensity of pregnancy-related headaches.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While most headaches are benign, it’s important to seek medical advice if you experience:
Sudden, severe headaches
Visual changes or dizziness
Swelling in hands or face
Headaches after 20 weeks gestation (to rule out preeclampsia)
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that typically occurs after 20 weeks gestation. It is characterised by high blood pressure and the precence of protein in urine which can indicate the sign of damage to organs. One of its symptoms can be persistent or severe headaches, if your headache is accompanied by visual disturbances, dizziness, or sudden swelling in your hands or face, it's important to seek medical help straight away to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
How Can Osteopathy Help with Pregnancy Headaches?
Osteopathy offers a gentle, natural approach to managing headaches in pregnancy, with a focus on treating the body as a whole. Your osteopath will assess for restrictions or imbalances in the neck, shoulders, spine, and jaw that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment may involve:
Gentle manual therapy to ease muscle tension and improve mobility
Postural advice and ergonomic support
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Support for circulation and lymphatic drainage
Guidance around hydration, rest, and movement
Many women find osteopathic treatment for pregnancy-related headaches to be not only safe, but deeply relieving, especially when other treatment options are limited during this time.
Tips to Reduce Headaches During Pregnancy
Here are some practical ways to support your body:
Stay hydrated and eat small, regular meals
Get quality rest (use a pregnancy pillow for support)
Avoid strong smells or known headache triggers
Take regular breaks from being seated or long periods at a screen
Use heat or a warm compress on your shoulders or neck
Try light exercise like walking or prenatal yoga
If you’re struggling with headaches during pregnancy, we’re here to help. At Tugun Osteopathy, our experienced osteopaths offer personalised, pregnancy-safe care to help reduce discomfort and improve your overall well-being.